10 shopping malls rank as the world’s largest, based on the amount of “Gross Leasable Area” - the number of square feet the property has for revenue-generating activities like retail, dining and amusements. Asia is home to eight of the world’s 10 largest malls, six of which were built in the last three years. Rankings are based on statistics from Eastern Connecticut State University, which compliles data from mall management companies.

South China MallLocation: Dongguan, ChinaYear Opened: 2005Gross Leasable Area: 7.1 million square feetIn the Chinese mall arms race, this facility opened a year after the Golden Resources Mall to displace it as the country’s and the world’s largest. The space includes wind milss and theme parks, plus a replica of the Arc de Triomphe.

Golden Resources Shopping MallLocation: Beijing, ChinaYear Opened: 2004Gross Leasable Area: 6 million square feetNot sprawling, this is a stackep-up five story mall. Approximately 1,000 stores, selling plenty of familar global brands like Nike and DKNY. A truly ambitious real estate project, with new apartments and offices, surround the mall. A tough location outside the heart of the city has resulted in disappointing traffic from foreign tourists.

SM Mall of AsiaLocation: Pasay City, PhilippinesYear Opened: 2006Gross Leasable Area: 4.2 million square feetIncludes the first Olympic-sized swimming pool and first IMAX theater in the Philippines. Spread over four buildings, customers can get around on a 20-seat tram

West Edmonton MallLocation: Edmonton, Alberta, CanadaYear Opened: 1981Gross Leasable Area: 3.8 million square feetThe biggest in North America, the West Edmonton Mall has over 800 stores, along with attractions like a water park, skating rink, casino and rides.

SM MegamallLocation: Mandaluyong City, PhilippinesYear Opened: 1991Gross Leasable Area: 3.6 million square feetFun stuff includes bowling, ice skating and a 12-cinema movie theater, along with traditional mall fare like arcade games. Customers can also get a haircut or see a doctor at the Manila clinic.

Beijing MallLocation: Beijing, ChinaYear Opened: 2005Gross Leasable Area: 3.4 million square feetThe first real suburban mall in China, located about an hour from downtown Beijing, this center has four levels with parking for 8,000 cars, plus a man-made beach. Bootlegged DVDs of American movies are a top seller.

Zhengjia PlazaLocation: Guangzhou, ChinaYear Opened: 2005Gross Leasable Area: 3 million square feetHas been known to attract over half a million shoppers on a good day. Another mixed-use space, the mall has a hotel and office tower in addition to retail stores.

SM City North EdsaLocation: Quezon City, PhilippinesYear Opened: 1985Gross Leasable Area: 3 million square feetThe first major “mega mall” built by SM Prime Holdings, which now claims three of the largest 10 in the world. It’s a five-story complex that boasts over 100 retail outlets and restaurants, along with 12 cinemas, a bowling alley and skating rink. An IMAX theater could be added soon.

King of Prussia MallLocation: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USAYear Opened: 1962Gross Leasable Area: 2.8 million square feetThis product of the original U.S. mall building surge in the early 1960s still survives on the top 10 list, at least until the next big project goes up in Asia. Billing itself as the “premier shopping destination on the East Coast,” this mall takes advantage of its location right off the Pennsylvania Turnpike to draw shoppers from New York, New Jersey and Maryland to its 400 stores. Despite a lack of theme parks and other modern amenities, package deals with Radisson Hotels and cross-marketing with nearby attractions like the Revolutionary War encampment at Valley Forge draw out-of-state shoppers looking to get away for a day or two.Cevahir Shopping Centre: The largest mall in Europe, seen here with its six floors